Wednesday, 28 November 2012

Below are recently submitted Planning Applications in the Chorlton area. You can find out more information about any of the proposals on the City Council's Planning Portal at http://tinyurl.com/yv6lex or by contacting the South Area Planning Group Manager - Roger Hall; Tel: (0161) 234 4536; email: r.hall@manchester.gov.uk . You can also make a Planning representation (in support or opposition) to Mr Hall or the designated planning officer for each application. Please feel free to contact me on (07947383740; cllr.v.chamberlain@manchester.gov.uk) if you wish to discuss any application and please also send me a copy of any representation you make.

Do you want to celebrate our city’s diversity and help prevent Hate Crime?

You can apply for a grant of up to £200 for your community group to organise an event or activity in your neighbourhood that raises awareness about Hate Crime, What it is, how to prevent it, and how to report it.

To read more about Hate Crime and to apply for a grant, please complete and submit the application form at:

Thursday, 25 October 2012

Recently uncovered figures show Manchester Council spent a staggering £18.9m on Consultants’ fees in the last three years.

Marc Ramsbottom who is standing to be the first Lib Dem MP for Manchester Central in next month’s By-Election slammed the Council: “It is an insult to residents that our arrogant Labour Council is cutting frontline services whilst handing over vast sums to Consultants.

It is simply wrong for the Council to be cutting lollipop wardens and putting Surestart centres at risk so they can line the pockets of well off consultants.”

The figures requested by Chorlton Lib Dem Councillor Victor Chamberlain in June have only just been released: “Last year the Council said it had to lay off 2000 employees; how many jobs and services could have been saved if this money was used?

The Council is obviously embarrassed by these shocking figures because it has taken them nearly four months to release this information; despite having a legal obligation to release the information after 28 working days. This is not the transparency Manchester residents expect.”

The figures also show that over the last three years the Council has spent £106k on Foreign Travel for Councillors and officials; including to exotic destinations such as Barbados, LA, New York, Nice and Venice.

Tuesday, 23 October 2012

Former Policeman and Lib Dem Police Chief candidate, Matt Gallagher, will today launch his manifesto detailing his plans if elected as Greater Manchester’s first Police and Crime Commissioner. Mr Gallagher describes how he plans to cut bureaucracy to increase the number of visible police officers and improve Police response times. Matt is also proposing to establish a panel of Assistant Commissioners to ensure overlooked groups are represented in Policing and to provide a direct link to Greater Manchester communities. Matt grew up in Chorlton and still lives in the area.

Other proposals outlined include:

a groundbreaking Apprenticeship scheme.

A Police station in every community

Public Safety Reps on some Bus routes to tackle Anti Social Behaviour.

A Commissioner’s Annual Award to ten young people from across Greater Manchester who have done something to improve the image of young people.

Regular surveys with residents to ensure priorities are right

Greater links between PCSOs and communities

A change in the law to allow the Commissioner to recover the costs of court cases from Criminals.

A change in the law to block mobile phione signals in Prisons

Matt Gallagher, who has 30 years experience of fighting crime in Greater Manchester, said: “As a former frontline Police Officer I know what Greater Manchester residents need and want from the Police. My manifesto outlines how I will make the police more effective, efficient and responsive.

If I am elected I will put residents and victims first and make Criminals pay.”

Under Matt’s proposals the Assistant Commissioners are appointed and funded by the groups they represent. Matt’s Apprenticeship scheme would see Police probationer training carried out before new recruits are sworn in as PCs so that they can spend more time on front line policing.

Friday, 19 October 2012

Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat Leader, has today announced that Greater Manchester is to receive a £35million cash injection to boost Greater Manchester's economy and to create jobs.

The investment from the Government's Regional Growth Fund will be given to Greater Manchester's Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to support large projects in the private sector which have the potential to create new jobs.

"Manchester has already been very successful in bidding for money from the regional growth fund. In previous rounds we have secured investment for the Former Royal Eye Hospital, Siemens, a Loan Fund for small businesses and money for Council leaders to spend around the region. This just shows how the Liberal Democrats in Government are committed to supporting Manchester's growth and rebalancing our economy away from London and the Banks."

Former policeman and Lib Dem Police Chief candidate, Matt Gallagher, is calling for Greater Manchester Councils to tackle their “scandalous” road safety record by implementing a blanket 20mph speed limit on all residential roads.

Greater Manchester has the North West’s highest rate of overall pedestrian casualties. Last year 744 people were needlessly killed or seriously injured on Greater Manchester’s Roads and over 7000 people were hurt. Matt is calling for 20mph to become the speed limit on all residential roads, excluding major routes. Lowering urban and residential speed limits to 20 mph has been found to decrease child pedestrian accidents by up to 70%. In Portsmouth the 20mph limit on all residential roads has reduced casualties by 22%.

Matt Gallagher, who has 30 years experience of fighting crime in Greater Manchester, said: “As a former frontline Police officer I have seen the devastating and fatal impact speeding has. There are still far too many people needlessly killed or injured on Greater Manchester’s Roads. Greater Manchester Councils need to take this issue more seriously. I want to work with them to tackle this scandalous situation. An extra couple of minutes on a journey is worth it if it means saving the life of just one child.”

“The vast majority of the people support reducing the speed limit because it not only makes our roads safer it also encourages more people to walk and cycle. This reduces traffic noise, pollution and carbon emissions. Blanket 20mph limits also benefit the Police by reducing the crash investigation workload for Traffic Police freeing them up to go after Criminals.

“The Liberal Democrats in Government have cut bureaucracy and made it easier to implement 20mph speed limits; I want Greater Manchester to take advantage of this to help save lives and make our streets pleasant for all road users. "We need 20mph limits where people live, work and play.”

Last week Liberal Democrats passed the 20 is Plenty – Saving Lives on the Road motion at their Autumn Conference, which calls for a dramatic expansion of a 20mph speed limit in the UK.

I was delighted to get the oppertunity to attend the debate and vote for the motion. Liberal Democrats have been leading the way on road safety. In Lib Dem-led councils, local speed limits of 20mph have proven successful in reducing the number of pedestrian deaths on our roads.

Moving towards a national 20mph limit in residential areas is the right thing to do to further lower our road fatality rate and it is clear the public are backing this approach.

Julie Townsend, the deputy chief executive of Road Safety charity Brake, said: "Brake strongly welcomes this recognition by the Liberal Democrats that 20mph is the most appropriate speed limit on residential streets.

“Slowing down to 20 gives drivers far more chance to react in an emergency and avoid hitting someone, significantly reducing the threat posed to the most vulnerable road users.”

Last week John Leech MP was announced as the Liberal Democrat spokesperson on Culture, Media and Sport.

John will take up his position as Co-Chair of Lib Team Parliamentary team on Culture, Media and Sport alongside Baroness Jane Bonham-Carter and Baroness Floella Benjamin.

John Leech said, “The Olympics and Paralympics have shown how important sport is in the UK and because of my particular interest in sport I am delighted to be appointed.

I have taken over from Don Foster who had such of wealth of experience in culture and media and I hoping to continue in his footsteps in culture and media and bring additional knowledge from my sporting interests. Don Foster will be a tough act to follow, he must be congratulated on his long overdue promotion.“

John Leech has been a season ticket holder at Manchester City for 28 years and is avid amateur dramatics fan. Despite his busy diary he still finds time to attend (almost) every Man City home game as well as regularly performing for the Manchester Road Players Amateur dramatics Group.

Below are recently submitted Planning Applications in the Chorlton area. You can find out more information about any of the proposals on the City Council's Planning Portal at http://tinyurl.com/yv6lex or by contacting the South Area Planning Group Manager - Roger Hall; Tel: (0161) 234 4536; email: r.hall@manchester.gov.uk . You can also make a Planning representation (in support or opposition) to Mr Hall or the designated planning officer for each application. Please feel free to contact me on (07947383740; cllr.v.chamberlain@manchester.gov.uk) if you wish to discuss any application and please also send me a copy of any representation you make.

As part of monthly centenary celebration events the Friends of Longford Park group is holding a 60s night of soul and Motown featuring the band Black and Gold on October 12 at the Longfords, Trafford Athletics Stadium, Rye Bank Road. Doors open 7.30pm. Black and Gold are a 12-piece Lancashire band covering music from Dusty Springfield and Wilson Pickett to Sam Sparrow and Bill Withers. Tickets are £8 and available in advance, call Sonia 864 2414.

Also, you might be interested to know that Longfords Athletic club Over 50s have started running a keep fit group. The session is held every Tuesday at 11am, first session free then £3 a session. More details can be found at http://50plus-fitness.co.uk

“It is absolutely appalling that Manchester’s Labour Town Hall bosses have committed a monumental, ‘empire state’ scale of spending on one concert whilst putting the future of Sure Start Centres in doubt and whilst saying Lollipop Wardens must be laid off.

The proposal to spend nearly half a million pounds on this one event has not been put before a single Council Committee for discussion or approval. I will be writing to the Chief Executive of the City Council to ask which Labour Executive Councillor gave the go ahead for this crazy decision.

It is unbelievable that hundreds of thousands of pounds are now been spent on one night’s concert – surely with a brilliant star like Alicia Keys and a great venue like the Cathedral, private sponsors would have been queuing up to support MTV with this event without huge spending from Manchester Council taxpayers.”

Marc Ramsbottom, Lib Dem Candidate in the Manchester Central By-Election said: “Liberal Democrats in Manchester have called for a Musical Hall of Fame to be set up to promote tourism based on our musical heritage, on a permanent basis, at minimal cost, within one of our existing or forthcoming facilities. This far cheaper alternative was turned down by Manchester Labour Council chiefs.”

John Leech, Lib Dem MP for Manchester Withington, said: “If the council has £425,000 to spend they should spend it on front line services, or perhaps encouraging Manchester’s music talent.

“To spend £425,000 subsidising MTV, who have 0.1 per cent of the UK market, is a complete waste of money.

“This shows that Manchester’s Labour council has completely the wrong priorities.”

Thursday, 20 September 2012

Last year 174 people were killed or seriously injured on Manchester’s roads and there were nearly 2000 road casualties. These shocking statistics help explain why Manchester has the North West’s second highest rate of overall pedestrian casualties; and the UK has Europe’s highest proportion of pedestrian road deaths and lowest levels of children walking or cycling to school. Half of the people hit by a car at 30mph will die; in contrast 90% of those hit by a car at 20mph survive. In February I proposed a Lib Dem ‘Twenty’s Plenty’ Council Motion in favour of introducing 20mph on Manchester’s residential roads. I was delighted that is was unanimously supported by Councillors.

If this policy is introduced it means Manchester roads would be safer with far fewer needless road deaths and casualties and it would make our roads user-friendly for everyone. These proposals have been very warmly received because they not only make our roads safer but also encourage more people to walk and cycle thus reducing traffic noise, pollution and carbon emissions. In Lib Dem run Portsmouth (the UK’s first 20mph City) they have seen a 22% drop in road casualties and a healthier, cleaner and greener city.

Some people have been concerned that 20mph limits would delay journey times. However average speeds in Manchester are generally well below 20mph because of congestion and queues. In fact traffic flows more freely at 20mph than 30mph and reducing speed means quicker journeys. There have also been those that say you can’t enforce 20mph limits. Effective 20mph limits can be achieved with community ownership alongside establishment endorsement. Effective public information campaigns, and low cost entry and reminder signs have been proven to dramatically kill speed in many Cities and mean 20mph is self enforced.

Sadly despite unanimous support for 20mph limits the Labour Council have been putting bureaucracy and politics in the way of saving lives and getting more people walking and cycling. At first they came up with ridiculous suggestions of putting traffic calming on every road at a cost of £41million; thankfully they’ve now agreed that a £2.8 million scheme with an extensive consultation and education campaign and entry signs into 20mph areas and reminder 20mph signs every 500m would be more appropriate. However this figure is still way too high. 20′s Plenty For Us, the national campaign group for 20mph limits, estimates the cost of introducing the policy is £3 per head of population; about £1.5million for Manchester. It is so disappointing that the Council is not taking the lead on this issue and has confirmed nothing more will progress without a Government handout. Other Councils have got on with the job of saving lives rather than shifting the burden for Party Political reasons.

There are many ways the Council can look to pay for Twenty’s Plenty. Just in the last three years the Labour Council have written off over £1.7million of money owed to local taxpayers. This would have been more than enough to at least get the ball rolling. Over 8 million UK residents live in areas with blanket 20mph residential limits so Manchester City Council only needs to ask colleagues around the country for guidance. The Council should produce detailed financial and introduction plans so that we have a Twenty’s Plenty plan that is ‘shelf ready’ when money becomes available. Last year the Department for Transport could have offered help through their end of year budgets but because of Manchester Council bureaucracy we missed out!

Road safety is a local responsibility and it shouldn’t be left up to Government to pay for it. Manchester Liberal Democrats put forward an alternative budget that included some money for Twenty’s Plenty. Sadly this motion was voted down and the Labour budget included nothing for reducing the speed limit. In 2007 John Leech, the Lib Dem MP for Manchester Withington, introduced a Parliamentary bill to get the last Labour Government to reduce the default speed limit; sadly this was not supported. However thanks to changes the Liberal Democrats have made in Government it will be quicker, cheaper and simpler for Councils to introduce 20mph limits.

At the Liberal Democrats Conference in a couple of weeks the party will discuss making 20mph limits the default speed on UK residential roads. I fully support these proposals and hope they are successful so that we can start to change national attitudes towards speed. The Lib Dem proposals also deal with dawdling Councils like Manchester by calling for government to give appropriate financial support to Councils to ensure that upfront costs of conversion are no barrier to changing speed limits. I’m pleased that despite Labour’s obstructions the Liberal Democrats are taking the lead on this issue and helping to save lives and make our roads more useable for everyone

Monday, 17 September 2012

Below are recently submitted Planning Applications in the Chorlton area. You can find out more information about any of the proposals on the City Council's Planning Portal at http://tinyurl.com/yv6lex or by contacting the South Area Planning Group Manager - Roger Hall; Tel: (0161) 234 4536; email: r.hall@manchester.gov.uk . You can also make a Planning representation (in support or opposition) to Mr Hall or the designated planning officer for each application. Please feel free to contact me on (07947383740; cllr.v.chamberlain@manchester.gov.uk) if you wish to discuss any application and please also send me a copy of any representation you make.

Friday, 14 September 2012

Please find attached a flyer outlining the activities that will be going on during the week beginning the 29th October, to mark the launch of the Manchester Green Corridor walking circuit.

As outlined on the flyer, the Green Corridor is made up of 14 linked routes each averaging 4 miles in length, that link green spaces and parks around the city. All routes are clearly signposted and detailed information about each route is available on www.getwalking.org/manchester or www.gettingmanchestermoving.org.

For the week of the launch, people are being invited to join one of the led walks that will be completed relay style, passing the Green Corridor baton onto the next walking group doing the next leg of the circuit.

The relay will end on Saturday 3rd November at around 1.30 in Fletcher Moss Park at the visitors centre where there will be a celebration which will include some tree planting.

Below are recently submitted Planning Applications in the Chorlton area. You can find out more information about any of the proposals on the City Council's Planning Portal at http://tinyurl.com/yv6lex or by contacting the South Area Planning Group Manager - Roger Hall; Tel: (0161) 234 4536; email: r.hall@manchester.gov.uk . You can also make a Planning representation (in support or opposition) to Mr Hall or the designated planning officer for each application. Please feel free to contact me on (07947383740; cllr.v.chamberlain@manchester.gov.uk) if you wish to discuss any application and please also send me a copy of any representation you make.

100295/FH/2012/S1 4 Chelsfield Grove Chorlton Manchester M21 7SU
Erection of part single, part two-storey side extension and part single, part two-storey rear extension together with front porch

100277/FO/2012/S1 British Muslim Heritage Centre, College Road Manchester M16 8BP Erection of 1035 square metre temporary marquee for functions to infill courtyard for a period of 5 years.

100278/LO/2012/S1 British Muslim Heritage Centre, College Road Manchester M16 8BP
LISTED BUILDING CONSENT for the erection of 1035 square metre temporary marquee for functions to infill courtyard for a period of 5 years.

Thursday, 13 September 2012

Matt is a big supporter of improving road safety. He has joined me in successfully campaigning to stop Labour's School Crossing cuts and calling for 20mph limits.

Greater Manchester Liberal Democrats have selected retired former police Inspector and Chorlton resident Matt Gallagher to be their candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner.

Matt Gallagher said today,

“I have 30 years police experience, and a detailed knowledge of the Greater Manchester Police. That is why I am best candidate to work with police officers and cut crime across Greater Manchester.”

He added,

Matt served as a GMP officer for 30 years

“Survey after survey shows that the public would prefer to see a former copper as Police Commissioner than a failed former politician. The people of Greater Manchester now have that choice.”

Matt has a strong public service record. His grandfather was a police officer, his wife and daughter are mobile carers and his son is a Royal Marine Commando.

Mr Gallagher served for thirty years with GMP, six as a front line inspector in the force’s elite Tactical Aid Unit, where he confronted the city’s drugs gangs and organised football hooligan’s, and targeted anti-social behaviour and gun crime.

South Manchester MP John Leech added,

“I supported Matt because he was made for this job. 30 years a copper, six years in the Tactical Aid Unit. Better a copper with an understanding of the job than a failed former minister.”

He beat former Councillors Jackie Pearcey and Qassim Afzal polling over half of the first preference votes.

Matt grew up in Chorlton and knows our area inside out. He will make an excellent candidate because he knows what local people's priorities are and also how the Police work. Matt will stand up for Chorlton and other Greater Manchester residents.

Friday, 7 September 2012

Wednesday, 5 September 2012

Chorlton Eco Show Home opens doors this weekend showcases world first solar installation as part of the SuperHomes network

The hundred year old Arts and Crafts property in the South Manchester conservation area is owned by Kit Knowles, who refurbished the property to test and showcase over 100 sustainable technologies and design techniques including three world firsts. Without using any renewable electricity generation he has reduced its carbon footprint by 62% with energy bills tumbling from £2,500 to £500.

Kit will now exceed 85% carbon reduction with the installation of a ground breaking new hybrid Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) system that combines electricity and hot water production in one panel, with a new technology to preheat air coming into the house and provide cooling in the summer time.

The Achilles heel of normal photovoltaics is the drop in efficiency occurring at the height of the day due to the panels overheating. By running cool water though the panels a lower temperature is maintained, greatly increasing electrical output and providing hot water as a by-product. Battery storage and energy management then enables the property to store excess energy and distribute it at times it would otherwise be required to pull from the national grid.

The system, commissioned through a partnership between Ecospheric and Newform Energy, also connects to the ventilation network and uses naturally occurring minerals known as zeolites that give off heat when exposed to humid conditions. This will mean the outgoing moisture laden air will heat the incoming air without any extra fuel cost.

“We love working together with companies to test emerging technologies in the energy efficiency market” says Kit Knowles, owner of Ecospheric who lives and runs the business out of the show home. “This is a very exciting new system that will allow us to harness more potential energy from the sun than any other type of domestic solar array.”

The installation has the potential to earn £1,400 from the FIT and RHI and, due to the electrical storage and energy management system, will utilise over 80% of the electricity generated on site (up from a typical 15%). With anticipated combined annual gas and electric charges of just £200, this means that overall the house will net circa £1,200 - almost taking care of the council tax!

SuperHomes is a nationwide charity initiative run by the award winning Sustainable Energy Academy. It currently consists of 135 refurbished houses, 40 of which are opening their doors to the public this week. Celebrated for being the first network to make exemplar refurbished older homes open to the public, it enables people to have a touch and feel experience and be inspired to take action in their own dwellings.

The Chorlton Eco Show Home will be open 7th-9th September, 10am-5pm and is free to attend with Ecospheric sustainability consultants on hand to answer any questions you may have relating to your own property.

Friday, 31 August 2012

Manchester Liberal Democrats were out in force during last weekend’s Manchester Pride Festival. Marc Ramsbottom, the Lib Dem candidate in the Manchester Central By-Election and John Leech MP led the Lib Dem contingent on the Pride parade. Around 20 Manchester Liberal Democrat Councillors and activists marched in the parade to promote Liberal Democrat campaigns for Equal Marriage and John Leech MP’s campaign to pardon Alan Turing, the Gay WW2 Hero and Father of Computer Science. Many other Liberal Democrat activists were also taking part in the parade with organisations ranging from Manchester University to the Village Manchester Football Club. City Centre Liberal Democrat Cllr Elaine Boyes (pictured) who is the current Lord Mayor of Manchester proudly represented Manchester City Council on the parade.

Below are recently submitted Planning Applications in the Chorlton area. You can find out more information about any of the proposals on the City Council's Planning Portal at http://tinyurl.com/yv6lex or by contacting the South Area Planning Group Manager - Roger Hall; Tel: (0161) 234 4536; email: r.hall@manchester.gov.uk . You can also make a Planning representation (in support or opposition) to Mr Hall or the designated planning officer for each application. Please feel free to contact me on (07947383740; cllr.v.chamberlain@manchester.gov.uk) if you wish to discuss any application and please also send me a copy of any representation you make.

Thursday, 30 August 2012

Projects must be for the benefit of the Chorlton ward - you don't have to be a formal group to submit an application- just a group of local people who want to make a difference. The maximum you can bid for is £750.

Thursday, 23 August 2012

On Sunday Cllr Mary Di Mauro and I represented the Manchester Liberal Democrats at the Peterloo Memorial rally. There was a very good turnout at the Rally to remember those that were killed and injured during the Peterloo Massacre. During the brief but moving service the names of those that were killed were read out and a flower was laid in their name at the foot of a temporary memorial. The Manchester Liberal Democrats are supporting the Peterloo Memorial Campaign for a prominent, explanatory and respectful monument to this hugely significant event in the fight for democracy. At the last full Council meeting I raised objections to Manchester City Council's plans to commemorate Peterloo with a set of Gates blocking off Library Walk. I asked the Leader of the Council to abandon the idea and instead to work with campaigners and residents to find a fitting tribute. I said that it is vitally important that
there is democratic involvement in marking this significant event in our
struggle for democracy. I said the Leader should consider holding a memorial design competition and ensure the public are
involved throughout the process. I called for a detailed design brief to be worked up to ensure that the memorial is sited
in a prominent location, that it is informative of what happened and it is
respectful of those people that gave their lives.

It now appears that the Council have done a U-Turn on their plans for commemoration gates. Sadly though the Council is not planning to make this a democratic process. The decision to commission the memorial will be made by just three Labour Councillors: Cllr Leese, Cllr R. Battle and Cllr Karney with two council officers acting in an advisory role.

Manchester Liberal Democrats will continue to campaign alongside Peterloo campaigners and others for a fitting and democratic Peterloo memorial.

Below are recently submitted Planning Applications in the Chorlton area. You can find out more information about any of the proposals on the City Council's Planning Portal at http://tinyurl.com/yv6lex or by contacting the South Area Planning Group Manager - Roger Hall; Tel: (0161) 234 4536; email: r.hall@manchester.gov.uk . You can also make a Planning representation (in support or opposition) to Mr Hall or the designated planning officer for each application. Please feel free to contact me on (07947383740; cllr.v.chamberlain@manchester.gov.uk) if you wish to discuss any application and please also send me a copy of any representation you make.

100075/FO/2012/S1 Foxbench Walk Chorlton Manchester M21 7RECreation of new road and environmental improvements including provision of outdoor gym100132/FO/2012/S1 Mersey Bank Community Centre 23 Mersey Bank Avenue Chorlton Manchester M21 7NTErection of three storey building to form community centre at ground floor with 9no. two bedroom flats and 4no. one bedroom flats (13 flats in total) above, together with creation of two separate car parking areas and associated landscaping, following demolition of existing community centre100169/NMC/2012/S1 36 Floyd Avenue Chorlton Manchester M21 7NB Non Material Amendment for the increase in width and height of extension approved under ref. 099269/FH/2012/S1100185/FO/2012/S1 91 St. Werburghs Road Chorlton Manchester M21 8UJInstallation of dormer roof extension to side to form additional living accommodation

Wednesday, 15 August 2012

Below are recently submitted Planning Applications in the Chorlton area. You can find out more information about any of the proposals on the City Council's Planning Portal at http://tinyurl.com/yv6lex or by contacting the South Area Planning Group Manager - Roger Hall; Tel: (0161) 234 4536; email: r.hall@manchester.gov.uk . You can also make a Planning representation (in support or opposition) to Mr Hall or the designated planning officer for each application. Please feel free to contact me on (07947383740; cllr.v.chamberlain@manchester.gov.uk) if you wish to discuss any application and please also send me a copy of any representation you make.

100043/FH/2012/S1 24 Manley Road Manchester M16 8PN
Retrospective Application for the erection of a car port and canopy to side and rear including extension to existing garage and elevational alterations.

Thursday, 2 August 2012

John Leech MP has welcomed the huge investment of over £18m to fund a centre of excellence in electronic health research in Manchester.

Manchester is one four e-research centres to be setup in the UK with the University of Manchester’s Jean McFarlane Building on Oxford Rd being home to Manchester’s centre.

John Leech MP said: “We have a world-wide reputation for pioneering health research in Manchester and I am delighted the government have recognised this and made this huge investment. This funding will mean that Manchester is leading the way in helping fight heart disease cancer and diabetes. This investment will also result in the creation of fifteen brand new jobs as well as underpinning the wider team of 50 who work within research. Not only will this but the centre will help provide services and software to local businesses through Greater Manchester.”

Each centre will do cutting-edge research which links electronic health records with other forms of research and data.

A range of health conditions will be investigated, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

The Medical Research Council (MRC) announced today (Thursday) that the Health eResearch Centre (HeRC) will be set up in Manchester in partnership with the Universities of Lancaster, Liverpool and York.

The MRC, along with nine other government and charity funders, are investing £4.5 million in HeRC over the next five years, and the total activity with investments from industry and academia will be around £18 million.

HeRC will research new ways of harnessing electronic health data to improve care for patients and communities. The consortium brings together partners from academia, the NHS, local authorities and industry in a five to 10-year programme.

If you have seen the front page of this week's South Manchester Reporter (pictured below) you will know that I am leading a campaign to get Chorlton Library Listed. This week I submitted an application for Listed Building status to English Heritage. The City Council are planning to vacate the current building and build a new joint Library and Leisure Centre. As part of this plan the Council will give the current Library building away to property developers to help cover the costs. Whilst there is not currently any specific threat to the building its future is uncertain once it has been given away. Therefore it is important that our Library building is protected for future generations.

The Library is without doubt my favourite building in Chorlton and I have really enjoyed researching its history. The Library was funded from a £5000 donation from Dr Andrew Carnegie, the Scottish-American steel magnate and philanthropist. It was opened just three months after the start of the First World War on 4 November 1914 by the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Alderman McCabe. It was the first time a sitting Lord Mayor of Manchester had officially visited Chorlton. The Building was designed by the first City Architect of Manchester, Henry Price, who also designed the Grade II listed Didsbury Library and many other Manchester landmarks like Victoria Baths. There is a fascinating story that the original plans for the building sent to Dr Carnegie were lost in the North Atlantic on-board The Titanic.

I have my fingers crossed that English Heritage will see the historical and architectural merits of the building and protect it well into the future. Please let me know if you have any additional information or documents that may support the bid.

Monday, 23 July 2012

On Friday, Transport minister Norman Baker was at Manchester Piccadilly following the announcement of £322 million extra funding towards the Northern Hub rail project for Manchester which could create 30,000 jobs and a £4.2bn boost for the regional economy. Also announced was £1 million given to Manchester Victoria under the Coalition government’s ‘Access for All’ scheme which aims to improve access to public transport. The money will go towards a new lift to the footbridge, ensuring level access across the station, new handrails and landings on the existing footbridge.

Friday, 20 July 2012

Below are recently submitted Planning Applications in the Chorlton area. You can find out more information about any of the proposals on the City Council's Planning Portal at http://tinyurl.com/yv6lex or by contacting the South Area Planning Group Manager - Roger Hall; Tel: (0161) 234 4536; email: r.hall@manchester.gov.uk . You can also make a Planning representation (in support or opposition) to Mr Hall or the designated planning officer for each application. Please feel free to contact me on (07947383740; cllr.v.chamberlain@manchester.gov.uk) if you wish to discuss any application and please also send me a copy of any representation you make.

099719/FU/2012/S1 562 Wilbraham Road Chorlton Manchester M21 9LB (The Hellenic Centre, pictured)
Change of use from community centre with self-contained apartment above (Class D1) to a single dwelling house (Class C3)

099905/FH/2012/S1 3 Marmion Drive Chorlton Manchester M21 9JD
Erection of two storey side and single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation following demolition of existing outrigger

Wednesday, 18 July 2012

Manchester Liberal Democrats are pleased to announce that Marc Ramsbottom has been chosen as the prospective parliamentary candidate for the upcoming Parliamentary by-election for Manchester Central constituency.

Marc is very well qualified to be Manchester’s next MP he is a local resident and former councillor for Manchester city centre for 12 years. He has stood in the constituency in the last two elections, halving Tony Lloyd’s percentage majority.

Marc says “I’m delighted to have been chosen to fight for the constituency for the third time. I want to use this election as an opportunity to air all the good things that the Lib Dems in government are doing, some things that normally get ignored. We’ve received the biggest ever funding settlement for our Schools, tax cuts for lowest and middle earners, the Pupil Premium and the Northern Hub are just some examples. In Manchester Central the only party who can beat Labour are the Liberal Democrats, the Tories haven’t elected a Councillor in Manchester in over 20 years and have never represented Manchester Central.”

Leader of Manchester Lib Dems, Cllr Simon Wheale said, “Marc was a fantastic Councillor and is very well regarded amongst residents and businesses in the City Centre. He is the best person to take on Labour in what will be a two-horse race in Central. We’ve got a lot to shout about in Manchester and just this week the Northern Hub was announced which could create 30,000 jobs and a £4.2bn boost for the regional economy.”

Following the announcement of the £322 million extra funding towards the Northern Hub rail project for Manchester, Lib Dem Transport Minister Norman Baker will be visiting the constituency on Friday to officially launch Marc’s campaign.

A Transport Select Committee report on Road Safety “should have gone further” to quantify the effects of changing the speed limit to 80mph says South Manchester MP John Leech.

Mr Leech had proposed an amendment to the report to ask the Department for Transport to set out “the financial implications of the proposals and a calculation of the expected increase in deaths and serious injuries as a result of the increased speed limit."

John has repeatedly argued that the speed limit should not be raised without evidence that this would not compromise road safety and lead to an increase in fatalities.

John Leech says: “Until I see evidence to the contrary, I will continue to believe that raising the speed limit would cost money, increase death on the road and harm the environment. The Department for Transport need to do a full assessment on the impact that raising the speed will have on road deaths and accidents along with a full report on the financial implications. The report needed to be stronger and more critical on the Government’s failure to carry out these much needed assessments.”

Page 33, para 48, line 23. After limit add “It is of concern that there has been no calculation by the Government as to the costs associated with stricter enforcement of an 80mph limit and creating more variable speed limits on sections of the motorway network deemed inappropriate to see an increase to 80mphPage 34, para 49. At the end add“ , with the Department setting out the financial implications of the proposals and a calculation of the expected increase in deaths and serious injuries as a result of the increased speed limit.”The amendments were voted down.